Grand Theft Auto: The controversy, the money and the impact

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Rockstar Games famously keeps a tight lid on its "Grand Theft Auto" games, but there are generally three constants to each new release.

Something in the game will outrage activists. The game will make a staggering amount of money. And it will incorporate parts of pop culture that raise its coolness levels even higher among players.

In the 12 years since "Grand Theft Auto III" first hit shelves (and the game really became the industry force it is now), it has had plenty of highs and lows - and an impact on the videogame landscape that few titles can match.